Fun Ideas to put into Playgrounds

Over a century ago German schools introduced playgrounds into their teaching environments as a way for children to learn good manners and a sense of fair play.

Then a little later an American psychologist named Stanley Hall published a book about a pile of sand and it soon became apparent that children on every continent could benefit from a recreational environment for many reasons, both mentally and physically.

Children of Every Age Love Stimulation

These days there are some wonderful innovative ideas that put the fun back into playgrounds. From themed recreational equipment to adventure playgrounds and blue foam building blocks that children can use to build their own recreational areas, recreational areas do not have to be boring any more.

Younger children can really let their imaginations run wild; they become resourceful, cooperative and intent on their playground projects because they look forward to being out there playing in them.

With this said, outdoor gym equipment can get teenagers outside again and it gets them exercising. The added bonus being that students can use top quality fitness equipment free of charge.

Playgrounds with Moveable Equipment

The trend to have moveable equipment in playgrounds has proved to be a successful way of getting children to be creative in the playground. Building blocks when introduced into a recreational area have been met with huge success with children, parents and designers alike.

The idea of children being able to create their own playgrounds is a fascinating concept that works because it allows kids to use their vivid imaginations during playtime.

For a while playgrounds boasted exuberant, colorful designs, then the adventure playground took over. But safety became an issue, parents got nervous and authorities without knowing it at the time took the play out of playgrounds. The merry-go-rounds, slides and the jungle gym assault courses of old, started to disappear from recreational areas.

In their place insulated and brightly colored hard plastic structures appeared on spongy-floored playgrounds and every playground all over the country looked the same. A few years down the line teachers and parents realized children were just not having as much fun anymore and this was having adverse effects on children’s health.

Recreating a Fun, Risky Environment

Today people realize that school playgrounds are just too boring. Teachers and designers are now looking at ways to make playground equipment more challenging; offering children the chance to take a few risks but what is also needed is for these recreational areas to be interesting places for kids to be in.

Children need to be exposed to a certain amount of risk, even at an early age. They find it fun, exciting as well as challenging the added bonus is the risks children take in the playground teaches them how to assess risks, which is an important learning curve.

Children who get bored in the playground generally stay inside which means they aren’t getting any fresh air or exercise. Ultimately this is far worse for a child’s health than an injury received in the playground. Children, who have the opportunity of playing on equipment that stimulates their minds and well as their bodies, end up balanced, healthy people. A well designed playground with all the right equipment in it tempts children outside to play because they enjoy themselves.

Conclusion

Playground designers, authorities, teachers and parents alike have realized that school playgrounds need revamping so that the fun is put back into them. There are some great innovative ideas available with playground equipment to suit younger children’s needs right up to designs to get teenagers back in the playground because they enjoy the equipment that’s provided for them.